Composer

:

Oscar Bianchi

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2007

Matra is a contemporary classical composition by Swiss-Italian composer Oscar Bianchi. The piece was composed in 2011 and premiered on October 14, 2011, at the Donaueschinger Musiktage festival in Germany. Matra is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a large ensemble consisting of 16 musicians, including strings, winds, brass, percussion, and piano. The title of the piece, "Matra," is a Sanskrit word that means "measure" or "beat." The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and intricate textures. Bianchi employs a variety of extended techniques, such as multiphonics and microtonal tuning, to create a unique sound world. The piece is also notable for its use of silence and space, with moments of stillness punctuating the dense and frenetic passages. Matra is divided into several sections, each with its own distinct character and mood. The opening section features a slow, meditative melody played by the strings, which is gradually joined by the other instruments. The music builds in intensity, with the percussion and brass adding a sense of urgency and tension. The middle section of the piece is marked by a sudden shift in mood, with the music becoming more frenzied and chaotic. The rhythms become more complex, with the different instruments playing off each other in a dizzying display of virtuosity. The final section of the piece returns to the slower, more contemplative mood of the opening. The music gradually fades away, with the strings playing a haunting melody that gradually dissolves into silence. Overall, Matra is a challenging and complex work that showcases Bianchi's unique compositional style. The piece is characterized by its intricate rhythms, use of extended techniques, and moments of stillness and silence. It is a powerful and evocative work that pushes the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

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